Last year with a 2-0 lead we could have asked the same question. Did the Pistons play that good or were the Cavs that bad?

We know how quickly a series can change...Detroit News May 18, 2006

No one was there to save them at the end. No one. With the game and the series dangling, all of the Pistons' famed and (allegedly) feared players disappeared, stepping timidly aside for LeBron James. James was amazing, but the Pistons were shameful, out of focus, seemingly out of breath, incapable of stopping James' shocking ascent. The Pistons have lost their way, lost their offense and are close to losing their shot after dropping one of the all-time stunners Wednesday night at The Palace.

Cleveland didn't steal this one. Cleveland earned it, sending the Pistons into an unbelievable spin with an 86-84 victory. The Cavaliers lead the series 3-2 and can finish it Friday night in Cleveland

Click to expand...

I won't believe the Pistons are that good until we prove it in game 3.

I won't believe the Pistons are that good until we prove it in game 3.[/quote] I respect your right to remain skeptical, but this year has a totally different feel from last year. I can't pretend to get inside the players heads but this team shows all the signs that everyone is pulling in the same direction. The team seems to have bought into Flip's system and the fact that it is working so well is its own positive reinforcement.

Game three on the road is always tough, the home team wants to preserve their manhood in front of their crowd, but I see the Pistons sweeping. I believe Webber when he says that he and Dyess are that desperate. I am especially encouraged by the stories of Rasheed Wallace taking the lead in practice, in fact it is the best news I have heard in the playoffs. I have always thought that for the Pistons to have a shot at winning it all, Rasheed would have to step up and lead at playoff time.

When Skiles said we don't match up well with the Pistons it was with good reason... they rely on getting opponents to cough the ball up so they can get out and run... we have several players with handles that can help break the pressure (Delfino, Prince, Murray, Rip, CB... even CWebb)... we're not just a predictable team that you can double on the guy bringing it up (ie. the Heat). This is further magnifyed with multiple players that can stick the outside shot... better spacing = less T.O.'s & more room to get inside. I still think there is more opportunity to take advantage of their overagressiveness.... why not go with more lobs & backdoors when they jump the play? FINALLY, they have recognized that C.B. can post up any PG (barring B.D.& Kidd)... most effecient post player on the team.... sandbagging?

The Pistons are playing as efficient as I've ever seen them. And the Bulls don't have one matchup that they dominate, let alone win, offense or defense. Orlando had Dwight, Cleveland Lebron, SA Duncan, Phoenix a la carte. The Bulls have no one that can cause a mismatch, we have several, and the result is a thorough can of whuppbutt.

For us to lose three things have to happen. Several Piston players have off nights. Several Chicago players step it up. The refs decide to give Chicago the benefit....................Pistons win 96-90.